Big thrills and bold challenges await—high and low ropes courses, ATVs, skate park, mountain boarding, and our unforgettable 200-foot Extreme Slip ’N Slide keep campers active, confident, and smiling all summer long.
The Experience
FUTURE FAMILIES
Nestled in the peaceful mountains of Pennsylvania, Camp Chen-A-Wanda is a warm and caring place where kids feel safe, supported, and free to be themselves. With more than 80 years of tradition, Chenny welcomes campers ages 7–16 into a close-knit community where friendships grow naturally, confidence builds day by day, and every child is truly known.
From the moment families arrive, camp feels like a second home, a place built on kindness, trust, and encouragement, where children are guided toward independence while always feeling cared for.
We would love the opportunity to connect—whether through an in-person tour, Rookie Day, or a virtual visit—whatever feels right for your family.
Want to check us out in person?
Activities & Programs
At Camp Chen-A-Wanda, every camper discovers something to love. Our program offers an incredible variety of activities that some they will master, some they will try for the very first time, and many they will be excited to explore even more.
Campers will enjoy endless fun swimming, diving, and playing pool games in our brand-new Olympic-sized pool, opening Summer 2026. Our lake is a centerpiece of the Chenny experience, featuring an exciting aqua park, kayaks, canoes, and sailboats, plus three water-ski boats for tubing and water skiing adventures.
One of the most unique and beloved experiences at Camp Chen-A-Wanda, our Circus program invites campers to step outside their comfort zone and try something truly extraordinary. Guided by experienced instructors in a safe and supportive environment, campers explore single, double, and triple trapeze, the flying trapeze, lyra (aerial hoop), Spanish web, aerial silks, juggling, and tight rope. Along the way, they build confidence, courage, coordination, and resilience—discovering just how strong and capable they really are. The experience often culminates in an exciting live Circus show, where campers perform under the big top and celebrate their accomplishments together.
Our Creative & Performing Arts program gives campers the chance to imagine, create, and shine. Campers explore acting and singing while working together toward a spectacular full-scale summer production. A camp favorite, cooking lets campers get hands-on in the kitchen, while Arts & Crafts, painting, and ceramics inspire creativity and self-expression. In a fun, supportive environment, campers build confidence, discover new talents, and take pride in what they create.
School of Rock gives campers the chance to find their sound—through vocal training, band collaboration, and hands-on experience with guitar, keyboard, drums, and ukulele. It’s a high-energy program where music, teamwork, and performance come alive.
Campers build skills, confidence, and teamwork while staying active and having fun every day. Our comprehensive athletics program includes baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, flag football, gymnastics, dance, cheer, street and roller hockey, golf, tennis, and pickleball—offering something for every interest and ability. Whether learning fundamentals, improving skills, or enjoying friendly competition, campers grow stronger, more confident, and connected through sport.
Big thrills and bold challenges await—high and low ropes courses, ATVs, skate park, mountain boarding, and our unforgettable 200-foot Extreme Slip ’N Slide keep campers active, confident, and smiling all summer long.
Campers will enjoy endless fun swimming, diving, and playing pool games in our brand-new Olympic-sized pool, opening Summer 2026. Our lake is a centerpiece of the Chenny experience, featuring an exciting aqua park, kayaks, canoes, and sailboats, plus three water-ski boats for tubing and water skiing adventures.
One of the most unique and beloved experiences at Camp Chen-A-Wanda, our Circus program invites campers to step outside their comfort zone and try something truly extraordinary. Guided by experienced instructors in a safe and supportive environment, campers explore single, double, and triple trapeze, the flying trapeze, lyra (aerial hoop), Spanish web, aerial silks, juggling, and tight rope. Along the way, they build confidence, courage, coordination, and resilience—discovering just how strong and capable they really are. The experience often culminates in an exciting live Circus show, where campers perform under the big top and celebrate their accomplishments together.
Our Creative & Performing Arts program gives campers the chance to imagine, create, and shine. Campers explore acting and singing while working together toward a spectacular full-scale summer production. A camp favorite, cooking lets campers get hands-on in the kitchen, while Arts & Crafts, painting, and ceramics inspire creativity and self-expression. In a fun, supportive environment, campers build confidence, discover new talents, and take pride in what they create.
School of Rock gives campers the chance to find their sound—through vocal training, band collaboration, and hands-on experience with guitar, keyboard, drums, and ukulele. It’s a high-energy program where music, teamwork, and performance come alive.
Campers build skills, confidence, and teamwork while staying active and having fun every day. Our comprehensive athletics program includes baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, flag football, gymnastics, dance, cheer, street and roller hockey, golf, tennis, and pickleball—offering something for every interest and ability. Whether learning fundamentals, improving skills, or enjoying friendly competition, campers grow stronger, more confident, and connected through sport.
Traditions & Events
At Camp Chen-A-Wanda, every summer is filled with memorable experiences that bring campers together. Signature events like Color War, Olympics, campfires, and the summer banquet encourage teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun.
Evening Activities
With an Evening Activity EVERY NIGHT, our campers get to experience the fun all day long! Some AWESOME events Chenny kids get to do every summer: Chenny Jam, Road Rally, Talent Shows, Silent Discos, WiffleCup Tournament, Powder Puff, Cooking Parties, Chen-A-Plex, Spa Nights, Night Swim Pool Parties, Head Staff LipSync to name a few. There is so much to experience at camp and we are continually enhancing our program so it stays fresh summer after summer.
Carnival
Each summer, we bring in our own carnival for you to enjoy. There are so many rides, lots of games, cotton candy, popcorn, dunk tanks and more. It is an afternoon we spend together enjoying a unique fun time with friends. It is a standout day.
Banquet
We end the summer right and that is with the hugest most incredible fun party you have ever been too. You get dressed up, a bit, and dine on an incredible meal in the Lodge followed by a party in Shields Hall that will blow your mind. We go to extremes to make our banquet mind-blowing.
Some events are set in stone and will forever be a part of Camp Chen-A-Wanda tradition. Sign and Song, Girls Sings, Boys LipSync, 4th of July, Halloween, Late Night with Leahy are part of the threads that make camp so special. Summer after summer, these events are counted on and held in high Chenny regard. There isn’t a camper who doesn’t look forward to these very special nights.
Color War
Our campers look forward to this insanely fun, team building, 5 day competition where the entire camp is divided into two teams (Red & Gold). This event brings out the best in every camper and staff on camp. We push one another to be the best we can be, we encourage camaraderie and dedication and above all we promote sportsmanship and friendship. We ask our camp family to dig down deep and have the time of their lives. 1-2-3-4 WE WANT COLOR WAR!!!!
Olympics
This 3-day long mini-color war takes place in the first half of camp. Our entire camp family is divided into 3 teams (Red, Gold & Blue) Each color represents a country and just like the Olympics, our competition requires dedication, loyalty and a commitment to put the team first. When the campers hear the Olympic Theme sound playing loudly over the camp speakers, you know something special is about to happen.
Evening Activities
With an Evening Activity EVERY NIGHT, our campers get to experience the fun all day long! Some AWESOME events Chenny kids get to do every summer: Chenny Jam, Road Rally, Talent Shows, Silent Discos, WiffleCup Tournament, Powder Puff, Cooking Parties, Chen-A-Plex, Spa Nights, Night Swim Pool Parties, Head Staff LipSync to name a few. There is so much to experience at camp and we are continually enhancing our program so it stays fresh summer after summer.
Carnival
Each summer, we bring in our own carnival for you to enjoy. There are so many rides, lots of games, cotton candy, popcorn, dunk tanks and more. It is an afternoon we spend together enjoying a unique fun time with friends. It is a standout day.
Banquet
We end the summer right and that is with the hugest most incredible fun party you have ever been too. You get dressed up, a bit, and dine on an incredible meal in the Lodge followed by a party in Shields Hall that will blow your mind. We go to extremes to make our banquet mind-blowing.
Some events are set in stone and will forever be a part of Camp Chen-A-Wanda tradition. Sign and Song, Girls Sings, Boys LipSync, 4th of July, Halloween, Late Night with Leahy are part of the threads that make camp so special. Summer after summer, these events are counted on and held in high Chenny regard. There isn’t a camper who doesn’t look forward to these very special nights.
Color War
Our campers look forward to this insanely fun, team building, 5 day competition where the entire camp is divided into two teams (Red & Gold). This event brings out the best in every camper and staff on camp. We push one another to be the best we can be, we encourage camaraderie and dedication and above all we promote sportsmanship and friendship. We ask our camp family to dig down deep and have the time of their lives. 1-2-3-4 WE WANT COLOR WAR!!!!
Olympics
This 3-day long mini-color war takes place in the first half of camp. Our entire camp family is divided into 3 teams (Red, Gold & Blue) Each color represents a country and just like the Olympics, our competition requires dedication, loyalty and a commitment to put the team first. When the campers hear the Olympic Theme sound playing loudly over the camp speakers, you know something special is about to happen.
Divisions & Camp Structure
Camp Chen-A-Wanda offers the best of both worlds – a true co-ed experience with separate girls’ and boys’ living areas. Campers share meals, evenings, and daily moments together, while most activities are carefully grouped by age and gender to nurture confidence, comfort, and development.
Lower Camp is the heart of our youngest campers’ experience—a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, make their first camp friendships, and begin building confidence, independence, and a love for camp.
- Freshman/raising 2nd and 3rd graders
- Juniors/raising 4th graders
- Middies/raising 5th graders
Middle Camp is a time of growth and discovery. Campers enjoy greater independence, expanded activities, and stronger friendships, all within a supportive environment that encourages confidence, teamwork, and personal development.
- Inters/raising 6th grade
- Collegiates/ raising 7th grade
- Seniors/ Raising 8th grade
Upper Camp is the culmination of the Camp Chen-A-Wanda journey, where confidence, independence, and leadership come to life. Campers take on greater responsibility, deepen lifelong friendships, and serve as role models while enjoying advanced activities, special events, amazing travel experiences and unforgettable traditions.
- Supers/raising 9th grade
- GC’s/rasing 10th grade
- CIT’s/ raising 11th grade
Lower Camp is the heart of our youngest campers’ experience—a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, make their first camp friendships, and begin building confidence, independence, and a love for camp.
- Freshman/raising 2nd and 3rd graders
- Juniors/raising 4th graders
- Middies/raising 5th graders
Middle Camp is a time of growth and discovery. Campers enjoy greater independence, expanded activities, and stronger friendships, all within a supportive environment that encourages confidence, teamwork, and personal development.
- Inters/raising 6th grade
- Collegiates/ raising 7th grade
- Seniors/ Raising 8th grade
Upper Camp is the culmination of the Camp Chen-A-Wanda journey, where confidence, independence, and leadership come to life. Campers take on greater responsibility, deepen lifelong friendships, and serve as role models while enjoying advanced activities, special events, amazing travel experiences and unforgettable traditions.
- Supers/raising 9th grade
- GC’s/rasing 10th grade
- CIT’s/ raising 11th grade
Dates + Fees
Important 2026 Chenny Dates
- First Day of Camp
- Saturday, June 27th
- Visiting Day
- Saturday, July 25th
- Last Day of Camp
- Saturday, August 15th
- Rookie Days (New Families Only)
- Saturday, July 11th & Saturday, July 18th
- Rookie Day (Existing Families / Current Camper Siblings)
- Saturday, August 1st
2026 Summer Tuition
- $14,050 Tuition
- $12,875 for CIT Program
- $9,425 for 4-week Program (first year campers only)
Tuition Covers:
All local trips, laundry service, canteen, transportation to and from camp from the New York metropolitan area, counselor gratuities and bunk photos. Additional fees apply for Senior, Super, GC, and CIT Trips. Additional baggage charge of $225 for centralized pickup/drop-off or $325 for door-to-door.
Discounts:
- Early Bird Special: $300 discount ($150 for 4-week Programs) with a $2,500 deposit paid by August 1st ($2,000 of which is refundable through December 1st).
- Pay in Full: $500 discount ($250 4-week Programs) when paid in full by October 1st
- Sibling: $350 for each additional sibling
Bunk Living & Facilities
Our bunks are a home away from home. With attentive supervision, campers learn to share, cooperate, and take responsibility while building meaningful friendships. Each bunk is thoughtfully designed with personal nightstands, cubby space, and a private bathroom to keep campers comfortable and cared for.
Camp Chen-A-Wanda’s beautiful campus is thoughtfully designed to give campers a comfortable, safe, and inspiring environment to live and grow. At the heart of camp is our stunning lakefront Lodge, where the entire community gathers to share meals, connect, and celebrate camp life together. Our expansive, newly built Health Center provides exceptional care and peace of mind, staffed by experienced medical professionals. Throughout camp, multiple indoor spaces are air-conditioned, well maintained, and continually updated—ensuring campers enjoy comfort, safety, and a true home away from home
Camp Chen-A-Wanda’s beautiful campus is thoughtfully designed to give campers a comfortable, safe, and inspiring environment to live and grow. At the heart of camp is our stunning lakefront Lodge, where the entire community gathers to share meals, connect, and celebrate camp life together. Our expansive, newly built Health Center provides exceptional care and peace of mind, staffed by experienced medical professionals. Throughout camp, multiple indoor spaces are air-conditioned, well maintained, and continually updated—ensuring campers enjoy comfort, safety, and a true home away from home
Health & Nutrition
At Camp Chen-A-Wanda, the health, safety, and well-being of our campers are our highest priorities. Our modern Health Center is staffed around the clock by experienced medical professionals who provide attentive, compassionate care. We also take great pride in our nutrition program, offering balanced, wholesome meals and snacks each day to keep campers energized and feeling their best. With fresh options, variety, and attention to individual dietary needs and allergies, we ensure every camper is well cared for, healthy, and thriving throughout the summer.
Our Owners & Directors
Get to know the people who guide Camp Chen-A-Wanda and make every summer unforgettable.
As we enter our 20th summer as Owners and Directors of Camp Chen-A-Wanda, our love for Chenny is deeper than ever. Camp has been one of the greatest joys of our lives, and each summer we are reminded of the powerful role it plays in shaping children into confident, kind, and independent young people.
To us, camp is so much more than a place, it truly is a home, a family, and a community built on friendship, belonging, and growth. Watching campers arrive, find their place, build lifelong friendships, and leave stronger and happier is what inspires us every single day.
As parents ourselves, we understand the trust families place in us. We are committed to creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels known, supported, and truly belongs. Chenny is part of who we are, and we feel incredibly grateful to share this special place with your kids and our camp family each summer.
A familiar face at camp, more like a living legend. Gary started his journey at CAW back in 1988 as a Camp Counselor, then a Group Leader, followed by Assistant Head Counselor, Assistant Director and now as a Camp Director.
Gary and his wife Liza, along with their children Robbie & Beth, live in Ireland. Throughout the year he works as an Assistant Vice Principal and his experience working with children and parents is both welcoming and reassuring. He has gained the respect and friendship of thousands of campers, staff, and parents over his years at camp and his professional skills and wealth of knowledge only add to the strength of the Chen-a-Wanda family.
If you went to Camp Chen-A-Wanda from the late ’80s till now, you know who Gary Shields is. There isn’t an alum that comes through Chenny who doesn’t love, adore and respect Gary Shields. His commitment to Camp Chen-A-Wanda over the last 35 plus years was honored as the Rec Hall, was renamed Shields Hall to honor his dedication and loyalty.
Brian and Laura Leahy have been valued members of the Chen-A-Wanda family since 2002. They fell in love with camp and fell in love with each other along the way, marrying in Laura’s home province of Nova Scotia, Canada. Their oldest daughter, Avery is now a camper and their newest addition, Charlotte joined the family in 2022 and looks forward to growing up at camp like her big sister! They reside in Florida as our full-time Directors, helping prepare for camp every year while working with every aspect of Chenny, including staffing, campers, families, and activities planning.
Brian was a college baseball player who started at Chenny as a Baseball Specialist and made stops as our Baseball Director and Athletic Director before becoming a Head Counselor in 2007.
He received his teaching credential in 2005 and spent eight years teaching elementary school and coaching high school baseball in both Southern California and Nova Scotia. He brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and innovative ideas to our team of directors, and can always be counted on for a laugh, advice, or a pick-me-up to both campers and staff.
Laura worked her way through camp as a Soccer Specialist, General Counselor, and Assistant Head Counselor before becoming a Head Counselor in 2010. She graduated in 2007 with her secondary teaching degree in science and social studies, and taught in Nova Scotia for six years prior to taking on a full-time role with camp. Laura’s infectious smile, calm demeanor, and nurturing approach combined with an eye for details and a keen ability to brainstorm camp ideas is an ideal combination for our director team.
As we enter our 20th summer as Owners and Directors of Camp Chen-A-Wanda, our love for Chenny is deeper than ever. Camp has been one of the greatest joys of our lives, and each summer we are reminded of the powerful role it plays in shaping children into confident, kind, and independent young people.
To us, camp is so much more than a place, it truly is a home, a family, and a community built on friendship, belonging, and growth. Watching campers arrive, find their place, build lifelong friendships, and leave stronger and happier is what inspires us every single day.
As parents ourselves, we understand the trust families place in us. We are committed to creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels known, supported, and truly belongs. Chenny is part of who we are, and we feel incredibly grateful to share this special place with your kids and our camp family each summer.
A familiar face at camp, more like a living legend. Gary started his journey at CAW back in 1988 as a Camp Counselor, then a Group Leader, followed by Assistant Head Counselor, Assistant Director and now as a Camp Director.
Gary and his wife Liza, along with their children Robbie & Beth, live in Ireland. Throughout the year he works as an Assistant Vice Principal and his experience working with children and parents is both welcoming and reassuring. He has gained the respect and friendship of thousands of campers, staff, and parents over his years at camp and his professional skills and wealth of knowledge only add to the strength of the Chen-a-Wanda family.
If you went to Camp Chen-A-Wanda from the late ’80s till now, you know who Gary Shields is. There isn’t an alum that comes through Chenny who doesn’t love, adore and respect Gary Shields. His commitment to Camp Chen-A-Wanda over the last 35 plus years was honored as the Rec Hall, was renamed Shields Hall to honor his dedication and loyalty.
Brian and Laura Leahy have been valued members of the Chen-A-Wanda family since 2002. They fell in love with camp and fell in love with each other along the way, marrying in Laura’s home province of Nova Scotia, Canada. Their oldest daughter, Avery is now a camper and their newest addition, Charlotte joined the family in 2022 and looks forward to growing up at camp like her big sister! They reside in Florida as our full-time Directors, helping prepare for camp every year while working with every aspect of Chenny, including staffing, campers, families, and activities planning.
Brian was a college baseball player who started at Chenny as a Baseball Specialist and made stops as our Baseball Director and Athletic Director before becoming a Head Counselor in 2007.
He received his teaching credential in 2005 and spent eight years teaching elementary school and coaching high school baseball in both Southern California and Nova Scotia. He brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and innovative ideas to our team of directors, and can always be counted on for a laugh, advice, or a pick-me-up to both campers and staff.
Laura worked her way through camp as a Soccer Specialist, General Counselor, and Assistant Head Counselor before becoming a Head Counselor in 2010. She graduated in 2007 with her secondary teaching degree in science and social studies, and taught in Nova Scotia for six years prior to taking on a full-time role with camp. Laura’s infectious smile, calm demeanor, and nurturing approach combined with an eye for details and a keen ability to brainstorm camp ideas is an ideal combination for our director team.
Camp CHEN-A-WANDA
Is a place where your child is known, supported, and inspired to become their best self. They count the days until they return, carrying friendships and memories that truly last a lifetime. Give your child summers filled with joy, growth, and belonging.
66 DAYS
TILL CAMP STARTS
Opening Day: Saturday, June 27
Visiting Day: Saturday, July 25
Closing Day: Saturday, Aug 15